Florida Citrus Sports, photo by Roberto Gonzalez
SHANNON CLARK & THE WOMEN OF FLORIDA CITRUS SPORTS
There’s never been a better time to be a woman in the sports industry. From the success of Women In Sports + Events (WISE) to the explosive growth of the women’s March Madness tournament, the exposure and opportunities for women in sports grow by the day.
Nowhere is that more evident than at Florida Citrus Sports (FCS), one of Orlando’s oldest sports and entertainment institutions. Today, women comprise more than half of the 501(c)3 not-for-profit’s staff, a ratio that has held as the organization scales to new heights.
Founded in 1947 as our region’s first collegiate bowl game, FCS serves as the primary tenant of Camping World Stadium, with events such as the Pop-Tarts Bowl, the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl and the FC Series, which will feature Manchester City and Barcelona this July. It is the local organizing partner for the Florida Blue Florida Classic (the HBCU rivalry featuring Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman), the NFL Pro Bowl and this June’s soccer friendly between the US Men’s National Team and Brazil.
Women have led the way for growth, accounting for half of the management roles of senior director or higher. That includes leadership in events, operations, customer retention, ticketing, marketing, corporate partnerships and development. Chief Customer Officer Shannon Clark headlines the group. Clark began her career selling t-shirts in the old Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in the mid-90s. Over three decades with FCS, she has taken on many roles and responsibilities and currently serves as the organization’s lead for operations and guest experience.
Female leadership at Florida Citrus Sports doesn’t end with the staff. In April, AdventHealth’s Sharon LineClary began her term as president of the organization’s board of directors. Whether through the local chapter of WISE or their own work and volunteering, the team at Florida Citrus Sports is active in growing an Orlando sports community that is inclusive for all.